Synthesis of 1,3,5-trisubstituted 1,2,4-triazoles enabled by a gold-catalyzed three-component reaction.

Valuable fully substituted 1,2,4-triazoles are obtained via a gold-catalyzed three-component reaction involving ethyl diazoacetate, aryldiazonium salts, and nitriles. The reaction proceeds under mild conditions, is regioselective, and allows the introduction of mono- and di-substituted aryl rings at the ortho , meta, and para positions. Mechanistic evidence suggests the participation of Au(III) species as the active catalysts. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]